>I don’t deny that most of our teachers are hard-working and dedicated but I don’t believe that they are hurting
In regards to the phys ed specifics, here is some info. According to the latest NJ Dept. of education figures on Ridgewood phys ed teachers:
Number: 22 Highest salary – $126,216 Lowest salary 30,144 Average salary 87,700 Median salary 96,030 Salaries > 100k 10
I don’t deny that most of our teachers are hard-working and dedicated but I don’t believe that they are hurting. Many family members and friends have lost jobs or have not seen an increase in wages in 4 years. When our president says “pay your fair share” or uses the term “shared sacrifice”, he means EVERYONE, doesn’t he?
>RHS Should Join Forces with Wikipedia Peter Coti RHS Student Wikipedia Editor
As we all know, Ridgewood High school is a top national school but it still lacks in many areas. One area it lacks in is the ability to integrate computers into classrooms. Some of the issues that have been raised is the cost of programs that could be integrated and the benefits it would have. I feel that in order for Ridgewood High School to remain progressive and prestigious it requires integration of the Wikipedia Ambassador program.
The Ambassador program has been used in schools such as Yale, NYU, and Columbia. If RHS were to partake in this program it would become the first high school in the world to join in and it would be on the same field as Ivy league colleges.
The program would also allow for new ways for students to learn. Wikipedia can help teach neutral point of view writing which is something that is not often taught to students even though it can be quite useful in certain professions. This neutral point of view aspect will also encourage critical thinking as they will need to boil a topic down to its bare basics to contribute to Wikipedia. The implementation of Wikipedia would also justify effort into a project as they will not simply have the satisfaction of a grade, their hard work will be visible to the millions of unique visitors of Wikipedia monthly.
The costs of running this program at RHS would be minimal. Already 140 “Welcome to Wikipedia” brochures are on standby nearby and already there are class materials published online for educations (https://outreach.wikimedia.org/wiki/Education/Materials_for_Teaching ). The only cost will be the hours it takes to orient teachers to the project and the basics of Wikipedia that they can then pass on to their students.
The combination of the low cost, and potentially high benefits leads me to believe that if we were to have an Ambassador program run from RHS it would be successful and a benefit to the school.
Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan The Record Op-Ed: Benefits denied
There aren’t all that many absolutes in public life, but here’s one of them: Part-time board members do not deserve health benefits courtesy of the taxpayers.
Given the fact that outrageous perks of this type continue in many areas, it’s worth noting when someone stops them. That’s what Kathleen Donovan, the Bergen County executive, did last week when she vetoed meeting minutes of the Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority, preventing the nine commissioners from giving themselves health benefits.
Estimated annual health costs for a family of four are almost $20,000, according to various actuarial firms. So it’s unlikely anyone is going to willingly give up coverage if it’s available. That’s why we need leaders with the guts to stop part-time politicians from getting it. Let’s reserve health benefits for full-time workers.
Over the years, health benefits for part-time New Jersey politicians often have been the norm, not only for utility commissioners, but for council members in many towns and even members of the Legislature.
The ongoing economic doldrums have brought more attention to these juicy perks. What is tolerable when unemployment is 3 percent and when most people are getting annual 4 percent pay increases seems less palatable when unemployment is around 9 percent and wages are flat. Donovan cited the economy in her veto letter, saying that health benefits for commissioners are “contrary to the sound fiscal policy of the county.”
Health benefits for full-time employees are a legitimate component of their compensation packages. Health benefits for part-time board members are not. They exist merely to reward the politically connected. In rejecting benefits for utility commissioners, Donovan rightly criticized the agency for being the last in the county to try to give commissioners such benefits.
The authority’s proposed budget for next year is about $15.5 million. The health benefits were part of a proposed stipend package that would have cost $89,000. That is a small part of the overall budget, but as is often the case in situations like this, it is not the money but the principle that’s important. The authority, which provides sewer treatment service to 11 towns in northwest Bergen County, should have known not to support a benefit plan that was out of step with both county policy and the economic times. Donovan’s veto should not have been necessary.
What we truly need is for the Legislature to outlaw taxpayer-funded health benefits for all part-time elected officials and board members statewide. In the absence of such sweeping legislation, we must rely on local politicians to stop the abuse themselves. In this case, we’re glad Donovan stepped forward to do just that.
New Jersey developer says it’s giving up on offshore wind
The fate of New Jersey’s offshore wind projects took an unexpected turn this week, with the announcement by one of a handful of companies bidding to develop a wind farm off the coast that it is pulling out of such projects.
NRG Energy on Monday announced it would terminate an agreement to build a 200-megawatt wind farm off the coast of Delaware. Yesterday, it said it would put its subsidiary, NRG Bluewater Wind, up for sale and not proceed with its proposal to build a wind farm off the Jersey coast.
The decision comes at a time when New Jersey has been struggling to adopt a complicated financing program that would support the development of 1,000 megawatts of offshore wind capacity through ratepayer subsidies, a process NRG Bluewater Wind had been a key player in structuring. (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)
>New task force tackles familiar topic: College and career readiness
Three years ago, a large state-appointed task force issued a plan for “redesigning” the state’s public high schools to better prepare students for college and work.
This month, the state is back at it — a different governor and task force but a familiar mission to define “college and career readiness” and set new requirements for courses and testing.
Yet for all the déjà vu, the results may be a bit different this time, given that national standardized tests are coming and that accountability — for schools, students, and especially teachers — has become a major concern.
That may be why the Christie administration insists that this time will be different. (Mooney, NJ Spotlight)
NJ Transit approves deals on bus shelters, bridges and platforms
NJ Transit’s board approved a contract Tuesday to bring bus shelters to towns in Camden, Middlesex and Monmouth counties; made a deal to replace a railroad bridge in Plainfield; and signed off on rebuilding platforms in Penn Station in Newark.
Under a $1.499 million contract with Handi-hut Inc. of Clifton, 150 shelters will be installed during the first phase of the project at bus stops in Gloucester Township, Chesilhurst, Ocean Township and South Plainfield. (Higgs, Gannett)
It’s a winter tradition Ridgewood looks forward to every year: the Ridgewood Bands’ Citrus Sale. Band members will be at your door to take orders on Sunday, January 8. Each selection sells for just $25 and benefits this February’s Ridgewood Bands’ trip to California, purchase of new instruments and supplies and scholarships. Expect delivery on March 3 or 4. For more information, contact Jennifer Gellman (201-493-0474 or Jenngell@verizon.net) or (Carol Gyzander at 201-447-2442 or cgyzander@aol.com).
>Ridgewood Patch and Glen Rock Patch Merge
The staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wednesday ,December 14, 2011
(Ridgewood , NJ) Last week AOL’s “hyper local” online news network Patch consolidated 4 of its New Jersey local websites. The Patch in Ridgewood has now merged with Glen Rock and the Franklin Lakes Patch has been merged with Wycoff . Sources claim it was a business decision done to better serve both readers and advertisers.
However Ad Age reports that Patch spokesperson Janine Iamunno said the decision was “editorially driven,” coming from editors who felt there was too much news overlap in the towns. Previously the Patch also reduced freelance budgets to make the sites more profitable.
AOL the parent company is under pressure from the recent merger with Huffington Post and is still struggling with how hyper local the Patch’s news coverage and and advertising should be.
Realtors: We Overcounted Home Sales for Five Years Published: Tuesday, 13 Dec 2011 | 5:21 PM ET Text Size
Data on sales of previously owned U.S. homes from 2007 through October this year will be revised down next week because of double counting, indicating a much weaker housing market than previously thought.
The National Association of Realtors said a benchmarking exercise had revealed that some properties were listed more than once, and in some instances, new home sales were also captured.
“All the sales and inventory data that have been reported since January 2007 are being downwardly revised. Sales were weaker than people thought,” NAR spokesman Walter Malony told Reuters.
“We’re capturing some new home data that should have been filtered out and we also discovered that some properties were being listed in more than one list.”
> NTSB seeks nationwide ban on driver use of personal electronic devices By Michael D. Bolden
The National Transportation Safety Board recommended a nationwide ban on driver use of personal electronic devices Tuesday, following its investigation into a deadly accident last year in Missouri.
NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman discussed the recommendations during a press conference after a meeting on that accident.
Take this poll: “Do you use your cell phone while driving?”
“According to [the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration], more than 3,000 people lost their lives last year in distraction-related accidents,”she said. “It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving.”
U.S. Postal Service puts 5-month pause on closings By Emily Stephenson WASHINGTON | Tue Dec 13, 2011 4:07pm EST
(Reuters) – The U.S. Postal Service has agreed to a five-month moratorium on closures of post offices and processing facilities while lawmakers hammer out legislation to overhaul the cash-strapped mail carrier, a group of U.S. senators said on Tuesday.
The Postal Service was studying about 3,700 money-losing post offices for possible closure starting in February 2012, and considering closing hundreds of processing centers in April.
The senators said USPS officials agreed to push back the closures to give lawmakers time to pass legislation that would help get the Postal Service back on track before the end of fiscal year 2012, when the mail carrier has said it could shut down.
>N.J. Pizza Fusion marks pizzas down to $3 12/13/11
In honor of its third-year anniversary, Pizza Fusion in Ridgewood, N.J., is offering a deep discount to customers. On Dec. 15, personal, organic cheese pizzas will be available for $3. The items normally start at $6 each.
Also, for large pizza orders, Pizza Fusion is offering a buy any one large pizza and get one pizza of equal or lesser value for 3 cents.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the second of many successful years in Ridgewood,” said Nick Morin, co-owner of Pizza Fusion Ridgewood. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of these special offers, as we thank the residents of Bergen County for their patronage.”
The anniversary offers are available for dine-in or takeout only.
The $3 personal pizzas are the traditional cheese pizzas in a white organic or multigrain crust only and are limited to one per person. Gluten-free crusts and personal pizzas with any additional toppings are available at regular menu prices only.
Pizza Fusion is currently considering area developer and franchise candidates to open several locations throughout New York and New Jersey.
>In the Net for Nick, Monday January 16, at Bethlehem Lutheran
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, invites all 3rd-12th grade boys and girls to join us for a In The Net For Nick. This is a fundraiser for Nick Tsiskakis, an 8th grade student at George Washington Middle School in Ridgewood, who was hit by a landscaping truck this fall. Nick is presently at home but receiving extensive therapy for head injury. We are calling all 3rd-12th grade boys and girls to join us for a free-throw fundraiser to be held on January 16, 2012. Come by anytime between 2-6 pm to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Gymnasium located at 155 Linwood Avenue, Ridgewood
Nick Tsiskakis is the son of Mariel and John from Ridgewood, NJ. Nick is a typical 13-year-old boy who loves to ride his bike and listen to music. This past October 11th, Nick was riding his bicycle to school and was struck by a truck. He suffered severe damage to his head and parts of his body. Since the accident, Nick has undergone several surgeries on his skull and leg. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning of the challenges that face him. Nick’s future will certainly change as a result of the accident, but anyone who knows this amazing boy hopes that he will be able to do all the things he dreams of accomplishing. As friends of Nick, we all want to help in any way possible.
The In The Net For Nick fundraiser is being organized to help ease the ongoing financial burden the family is enduring. In a time of emotional pain, it is difficult that anyone would have to endure the added stress of an immense financial burden.
Registration is required. Please send an email to gen829@gmail.com with your child’s name, grade, school, phone, estimated time of arrival, and In The Net For Nick in the subject line.
Here’s how it works . . . Use the In The Net For Nick sponsor form to request sponsor donations Come to the In The Net For Nick event anytime between 2-6pm. Shoot your free-throws and make as many baskets as you can. Collect your sponsor donations and mail to the In The Net For Nick address on the sponsor form. If you are unable to participate in this event, but would like to make a donation to Nick, please Make your check payable to: “Nick Tsiskasis” and mail to In The Net For Nick, c/o Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 155 Linwood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
In The Net For Nick is sponsored by Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, in cooperation with Upward Basketball and Goatgear Basketball.
The members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood want you to know that God has a plan for you and he loves you. Our faith is in Christ. Our guide is in the Bible. Our love is for all. Come celebrate with us. We offer 2 Sunday services: Contemporary Praise Service at 8:45am and Traditional Worship at 11am with Sunday School and Bible Class at 10am. Please join us at 155 Linwood Avenue, Ridgewood.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2011 BY ANDREW TANGEL STAFF WRITER THE RECORD
* Former Madoff employee is helping government’s case.
Sentencing for a Ridgewood man who helped Bernard Madoff conceal his massive Ponzi scheme has been postponed for six months so he can continue helping the government.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan on Friday requested to delay the proceeding — which had been scheduled for Thursday — until June 15, citing Eric S. Lipkin’s “continuing cooperation with the government.”
Lipkin, a second-generation Madoff employee who worked as his payroll manager, pleaded guilty in June to six charges, including bank fraud and conspiracy. He admitted doctoring the records of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC to hide the multibillion-dollar fraud.
“Mr. Lipkin continues to cooperate with the government with the hope that he can assist in the investigation and the prosecution of others,” James Filan, Lipkin’s attorney, said in an e-mail Monday. He declined to comment further.
MONDAY DECEMBER 12, 2011, 10:19 PM BY MONSY ALVARADO AND EVONNE COUTROS STAFF WRITERS THE RECORD
Clutching posters that read “Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is a fair contract” and “’Tis the season to be fair,” teachers and their supporters rallied outside Ridgefield Memorial High School on Monday before the start of their first session with a state-appointed mediator.
Meanwhile, in Ridgewood, teachers who have been working without a contract since September held a rally of their own outside the Education Center on Cottage Place on Monday night while state mediators met inside with union representatives and members of the school board.
“Everyone is here away from their families and their homes to be here to show their support and unity for their colleagues and profession,” said Darla Ferdinand, president of the Ridgefield Education Association. “I’m hoping that they see that we are serious.”
